Fourth Amendment
O'Connor v. Ortega
O'Connor v. Ortega (480 U.S. 709)
The O\'Connor v. Ortega case revolved around a physician and psychiatrist, who, as an employee of a state hospital, had primary responsibility for training physicians in the psychiatric residency program. Hospital officials became concerned about possible improprieties in his management of the program, particularly with respect to his acquisition of a computer, charges against him concerning sexual harassment of female hospital employees, and inappropriate disciplinary action against a resident. While on administrative leave pending investigation of these charges, hospital officials searched his office and seized personal items from his desk and file cabinets that were used in the administrative proceedings resulting in his discharge. The respondent filed an action against the hospital officials in Federal District Court under 42 U.S.C. Section 1983, alleging that the search of his office violated the Fourth Amendment.
D
2 of 18